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Missouri State University music students, faculty and staff have moved back into a renovated Ellis Hall. Now it’s time to cut the ribbon.

The university will host a dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. Sept. 24 at the building’s north entrance. The event is free and open to the public. Self-guided tours of the building will begin at 1 p.m., and refreshments will be available.

“We’re thrilled to officially re-open Ellis Hall and invite our community to see the renovated space,” said Dr. Shawn Wahl, interim dean of the College of Arts and Letters. “We’re thankful to the donors who helped us create a state-of-the-art facility for our music students.”

Speakers include Clif Smart, Missouri State president; Julie Combs, head of the department of music; and Wahl. Mike Parson, lieutenant governor of Missouri, will also attend.

The Missouri State Chorale and brass band will perform.

MSU thanks Sam and June Hamra

Sam Hamra, chairman of Hamra Enterprises, made a significant gift to the Missouri State Foundation for recital room renovations and the purchase of a Steinway grand piano

The piano is in the renovated recital room at Ellis Hall. The room is named for his wife, June Hamra, who was a member of the Board of Regents from 1979-85 and is actively involved in the arts community.

The Hamras and university president Clif Smart

“We are so pleased to be able to support the great things happening in the music program at Missouri State,” Hamra said. “June and I hope this gift will help music students achieve the goals they desire in life.”

Every music student who performs a junior degree recital or takes part in a master class will be accompanied by this instrument. Music students’ lesson fees have already purchased 10 Steinway-way built Boston upright pianos and one Boston 7-foot grand.

As the music department continues to replace its piano inventory, both students and faculty will have access to the best quality instruments to achieve their maximum technical and artistic priorities.

About the renovation

The $14 million project centered on improving the facility’s acoustic conditions, re-configuring space and updating material finishes. A new, energy-efficient curtain wall and rain screen system replaced original windows and glass.

This summer, construction crews finished framing windows and installing glass, lighting and Sheetrock. The building also has an upgraded roof, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and other mechanical systems.

For more information about the Hamras’ gift, contact Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement, at 417-836-6666. For more information about the dedication event, contact Wahl at 417-836-4366.